O.W.K. by Side Project Brewing is one of the most acclaimed and complex American imperial stouts, renowned for its depth, balance, and meticulous barrel selection. This beer boasts around 15% ABV and is aged for 16 to 29 months in a blend of Willett Family Estate and Still 630 barrels, resulting in a rich, multi-layered flavor profile.
The aroma reveals notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, molasses, and hints of dried fruit, while the finish unfolds warm tones of bourbon, vanilla, and oak. Its texture is dense, velvety, and almost syrupy, with low bitterness and a long, warming aftertaste.
O.W.K. is considered a collector’s beer, designed for slow sipping and full sensory enjoyment. It pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, dark chocolate, or as a dessert beer after a fine meal.
Due to its limited production and exclusive release directly from the brewery, it holds a cult status among craft stout enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Producer
Side Project Brewing is an American craft brewery based in Saint Louis (Maplewood, Missouri), run by Cory and Karen King. The brewery is renowned for its premium, complex beers fermented in oak barrels, using wild yeasts and spontaneous processes that give each release a rustic and unpredictable character.
Their philosophy relies heavily on local ingredients - such as fruit and native microorganisms - to create unique saison and wild ale styles with a strong sense of terroir. In addition, Side Project experiments with aging in bourbon and other spirit barrels, crafting intensely powerful stouts and barleywines that combine strength and depth with exceptional balance and elegance.
Their work is defined by technical precision, innovation, and dedication to artisanal principles, making them one of the most respected and influential breweries in the world of spontaneous and barrel-aged beers.
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